Frequently asked questions

How do I start playing?

Drop a game folder or ZIP onto the canvas, or use Choose game folder in Game Files. A ZIP can contain either game or both in separate folders. Click the paused game to enter fullscreen and play. Press Esc to pause and release the mouse; click the game to resume.

Which files do I need?

Your own lawfully obtained copy of Ultima Underworld 1 or Ultima Underworld 2. Choose the folder directly containing UW.EXE or UW2.EXE and the DATA and CRIT folders, rather than DATA alone. Keep SOUND and CUTS with it when supplied.

No setup program needs to run. The original executable is read as data, not executed. Original game archives and game downloads are not provided here.

Can I load both games?

Yes. Choose each game’s folder separately using the same Choose Game Folder button. The page detects the game automatically and enables its game choice. Changing games or replacing game files starts a new session.

Are my game files uploaded or changed?

No. This page reads your selected files locally in your browser. It does not upload them or overwrite the original files.

Will it remember my preferences and folders?

Preferences are stored in this browser. Where supported, the browser can also remember your chosen folders, but may ask for read permission again. Otherwise, choose the folder again next time.

Clearing this site’s browser data removes remembered preferences and folder access.

What are the music device options?

Sound Blaster Pro uses Yamaha OPL2 FM synthesis. The Roland option emulates the MT-32 or CM-32L family of LA sound modules; the detected model appears beside its name. This choice affects music only. Sound effects, speech, and playable instruments keep their existing sound.

Roland requires your own compatible Control and PCM ROM files. Recognized versions of the original and later MT-32, CM-32L, and CM-32LN are supported. Use Choose ROMs to select raw files and ZIP archives together or separately. Compatibility is checked from the file contents. Your ROM files are read locally, are not uploaded or modified, and are remembered in this browser when storage is available.

How can I improve color fidelity?

The game requests sRGB output. If colors look washed out or different from other applications, check your browser and display color settings before adjusting the artwork. A correct monitor profile is usually the best starting point; see Windows color-profile settings.

In Chrome, enter chrome://flags/#force-color-profile in the address bar. In Edge, use edge://flags/#force-color-profile. If Force color profile is available, try sRGB and relaunch the browser. This experimental option overrides the monitor profile, so restore Default if it makes the result worse. Availability varies by browser version; the Chromium color-profile options describe the supported choices.

Preferences also offers Gamma and Saturation. Both default to 1.00, preserving the calibrated colors. Higher gamma brightens midtones; higher saturation makes colors more vivid. These are visual adjustments, not a replacement for a correct display profile.

Can I save and load?

For Ultima Underworld 1, Save downloads one compressed .save file with the complete engine state; Load opens these files. Names such as UW1_2026-10-28_18-34-15.save use UTC date and time. These files cannot be opened by the original game. Load original imports a save folder created by the original Ultima Underworld 1.

On startup, matching progress stored in this browser resumes automatically. Restart saves your current UW1 game before returning to the title screen; Journey Onward resumes it. UW2 saving and original-save loading are not available yet, so Restart in UW2 returns to the title without saving. Original files are never overwritten.

Does Escape close a panel or cancel an action?

No. Escape only pauses the game and releases mouse/fullscreen capture. Your open panel, text, and current action remain in place. Use the panel’s own controls to finish or close it.

Why is the minimap hidden?

In this engine, the map must be accessible: held on the cursor, in a hand or shoulder slot, or in a main inventory slot. A map inside a bag does not count. In Ultima Underworld 2, the minimap also hides while you are lost.

Where are the controls listed?

See Controls for movement, combat, spells and special actions.

How does this differ from the original games?

See Differences from the originals for shared interface and gameplay changes, followed by separate sections for Ultima Underworld 1 and Ultima Underworld 2. Quest and ending details are hidden until expanded.

How can I report a problem or send a suggestion?

Email contact@underworldweb.org. For a bug report, include the game, level, and steps needed to reproduce the problem.